Matt Eddy from Baseball America reports that the Pirates have signed pitcher Rick VandenHurk to a minor league deal. VandenHurk has been used mainly as a starter but will be used as a reliever in the Pirates organization. I’m assuming he will report to AAA-Indianapolis.

In parts of five seasons, VandenHurk has a 5.97 ERA over 181 innings between the Marlins and the Orioles. He will be 27 years old this season and has good velocity, which could play well as a reliever.

Also, one tidbit about VandenHurk: His full first name is Henricus. That is awesome.